Tax Invoice

Contents

• Tax invoices for sales under $1,000
• Tax invoices for sales above $1,000
• Issuing tax invoices with taxable and non-taxable items
• Digital invoicing options: einvoicing and PDF
• Rounding rules for GST calculations on tax invoices
• Tax invoices in agency relationships
• Recipient-created tax invoices (RCTI)
• GST groups and tax invoices
• Tax invoices for multiple recipients or co-owners

When conducting business in Australia, it is essential to understand the requirements for providing tax invoices to customers. A tax invoice is a document that outlines the details of a taxable sale and includes specific information depending on the sale amount, sale type, and the issuer of the invoice.

If a customer requests a tax invoice, it is the responsibility of the seller to provide one within 28 days of the request. However, there is an exception for sales amounting to $82.50 or less (including GST), where a tax invoice is not mandatory.  Further details regarding GST on a tax invoice are outlined in the GST Act.

Tax invoices for sales under $1,000

For taxable sales below $1,000, a tax invoice must contain the following seven key details to be considered valid:

• Document Intent: The invoice should be clearly labeled as a tax invoice, distinguishing it from other types of invoices.
• Seller’s Identity: The tax invoice must state the seller’s name and business identity, allowing the customer to identify the supplier.
• Seller’s Australian Business Number (ABN): The seller’s ABN should be included on the tax invoice, ensuring accurate identification of the business for tax purposes.
• Invoice Issuance Date: The date on which the tax invoice was issued must be clearly specified.
• Description of Items Sold: The tax invoice should provide a brief description of the items or services sold, along with the quantity (if applicable) and the corresponding price.
• GST Amount: If the sale attracts Goods and Services Tax (GST), the invoice must show the GST amount payable. It can be displayed separately or indicated as part of the total price, provided that the GST amount is exactly one-eleventh of the total.
• Taxable Sale Details: The tax invoice should indicate the extent to which each sale on the document is considered a taxable sale, differentiating it from non-taxable items.

Consideration for Different Sales Types
The information required in the tax invoice may vary depending on the sale amount, the type of sale (i.e., whether it includes taxable and non-taxable items), and who issues the tax invoice. These factors determine the level of detail needed to ensure proper compliance with tax regulations.

Tax invoices for sales above $1,000

You must include the buyer’s identity or Australian Business Number (ABN) in tax invoices for sales amounting to $1,000 or more, in addition to the standard information required for sales under $1,000.

These comprehensive tax invoices, which meet the requirements for higher-value sales, can also be used for transactions of lesser amounts.

It is important for you to note that if an invoice only displays a figure at the Wine Equalisation Tax-Goods Services Tax (WEG) label, you will need additional information to claim GST credits.

Additionally, for the invoice to be considered valid for tax purposes, you must adhere to the relevant requirements and include all the essential details needed for tax compliance.

Issuing tax invoices with taxable and non-taxable items

When preparing a tax invoice that includes both taxable and non-taxable items, you must ensure to clearly indicate which items are subject to taxation. Non-taxable items, such as those falling under the GST free or input-taxed categories, should be explicitly distinguished.

Essential Details to Include
The tax invoice must provide comprehensive details to facilitate transparent transactions:

• Breakdown of Taxable Sales: It should present a clear breakdown of each taxable sale, enabling easy identification.
• Amount of GST: The invoice must specify the amount of Goods and Services Tax (GST) applicable to the taxable items.
• Total Amount Payable: Clearly state the total amount to be paid, considering both taxable and non-taxable items.

Digital invoicing options: einvoicing and PDF

Tax invoices are no longer limited to paper forms. You have the flexibility to issue invoices electronically through the following methods:

• eInvoicing (Peppol eInvoice): Utilize the automated direct exchange of invoices between your software and your customer’s, streamlining the invoicing process.
• Emailing as PDF: Send invoices to customers via email in a portable document format (PDF), ensuring quick and convenient delivery.

Compliance and Responsibility
While the Peppol eInvoicing standard facilitates meeting legal requirements, it is essential to remember that compliance is the responsibility of your trading entity.

Specific tax invoice requirements can vary based on different business scenarios. Therefore, you must thoroughly understand and adhere to all legal requirements and digital record-keeping rules applicable to your business operations.

Ensuring compliance will lead to seamless transactions and avoid potential issues with tax authorities.

Rounding rules for GST calculations on tax invoices

When calculating the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on a tax invoice, special rounding rules apply if the GST amount includes a fraction of a cent. 

Rounding for a Single Taxable Sale
If the tax invoice includes only one taxable sale, you should round the GST amount to the nearest cent. Round amounts with 0.5 cents or more upwards, and amounts with less than 0.5 cents downwards.

Rounding for Multiple Taxable Sales – Total Invoice Rule
When there are multiple taxable sales on a tax invoice, you have two options for rounding: the Total Invoice Rule and the Taxable Sale Rule.

Total Invoice Rule
Calculate the GST for each taxable sale and round each amount to the nearest cent. Round amounts with 0.5 cents or more upwards, and amounts with less than 0.5 cents downwards.

Afterward, add up the rounded GST amounts for all taxable sales on the invoice.

Taxable Sale Rule
Determine the GST amount for each individual taxable sale. If the GST amount, before rounding, contains more decimal places than your accounting system can accommodate, you should round it up or down as needed to match the precision allowed by your system.

Once you have the rounded GST amounts for each taxable sale, add them together, and then round the total to the nearest cent. Again, round amounts with 0.5 cents or more upwards and amounts with less than 0.5 cents downwards.

It’s essential to note that you and your customers are not obligated to use the same rounding rules. Each party can independently apply their preferred rounding method for GST calculations.

These rules ensure fair and consistent rounding practices, avoiding potential discrepancies in GST calculations due to fraction of cent values.

Tax invoices in agency relationships

In transactions carried out through agents, tax invoices are subject to special rules.

Recipient-created tax invoices (RCTI)

In specific cases, you, as the purchaser or recipient of goods or services, can issue your own tax invoice, known as a recipient-created tax invoice (RCTI).

Eligibility to Issue an RCTI
You can issue an RCTI if the following conditions are met:

Both Parties Registered for GST: You and the supplier are both registered for GST at the time of RCTI issuance.
Written Agreement: You and the supplier have a written agreement stating that you may issue an RCTI, and the supplier will not generate a tax invoice.
Current and Effective Agreement: The agreement is current and effective when you issue the RCTI.
Commissioner’s Determination: The Commissioner has determined that the specific type of goods or services sold under the agreement can be invoiced using an RCTI.

Requirements for the Written Agreement
The written agreement between you and the supplier must include the essential requirements outlined in the determination. You can either use a separate document specifying sales details or embed the necessary information within the tax invoice.

For creating RCTIs, you can use the “Recipient-created tax invoices form” as a template or reference guide. Ensure compliance with all requirements to facilitate seamless transactions and accurate tax invoicing.

Validity of Recipient-Created Tax Invoices (RCTIs)
For an RCTI to be valid, it must provide sufficient information to clearly establish compliance with tax invoice requirements and explicitly indicate its nature as a recipient-created tax invoice, distinct from a standard tax invoice.

An RCTI must contain enough information to fulfill the requirements of tax invoices while explicitly stating that it is a recipient-created tax invoice and not a standard one.

The RCTI must display the Australian Business Numbers (ABNs) of both the suppliers and the purchaser.

If GST is applicable, the RCTI must indicate that it is payable by the supplier.

Responsibilities of the Recipient
As the recipient, you have certain responsibilities regarding the RCTI:

• Issuing the RCTI to Supplier: You are required to provide the supplier with either the original or a copy of the Recipient-Created Tax Invoice (RCTI) within 28 days, either from the date of the sale or from the date when you determine the value of the sale.
• Retention of RCTI: You should retain the original or a copy of the RCTI for your records.
• Compliance with Tax Laws: You are required to reasonably comply with all your obligations under the tax laws.

Adherence to Requirements
It is important to stop issuing RCTIs if any of the conditions necessary for issuing RCTIs are no longer met. Continuous compliance ensures the validity and accuracy of the tax invoicing process in accordance with the regulations.

GST groups and tax invoices

When a member of a GST group makes a taxable sale, it is essential to clearly indicate their identity on the tax invoice. This ensures compliance with tax regulations and facilitates accurate record-keeping.

Similarly, if the recipient of the taxable sale is also a member of a GST group, their identity as the buyer must be clearly shown on the tax invoice to meet the necessary requirements.

The tax invoice should include one of the following options:

• Recipient’s Identity: Clearly indicate the name or identity of the recipient member of the GST group on the tax invoice.
• GST Group Identification: Alternatively, specify the name or identity of the GST group to which the recipient belongs.
• Representative Member: Show the name or identity of the representative member of the GST group on the tax invoice.
• Another Member Identification: In cases where the taxable supply could still lead to a creditable acquisition for another member of the GST group, their name or identity may be included on the tax invoice.

By providing clear identification of the relevant GST group members in taxable sales, businesses can ensure proper compliance with GST regulations and maintain accurate invoicing records.

Tax invoices for multiple recipients or co-owners

When a single tax invoice is issued for a taxable sale amounting to $1,000 or more, involving more than one recipient, clear identification is necessary. The tax invoice must show either:

• Identity of Each Recipient: Clearly indicate the name or identity of each recipient involved in the transaction.
• ABN of Each Recipient: Alternatively, display the Australian Business Number (ABN) of each recipient on the tax invoice.

Taxable Sale by Multiple Entities (Co-owners)
In the case of a taxable sale conducted by more than one entity, such as co-owners of property, the tax invoice must provide clear identification. It should show either:

Identity and ABN of Each Co-owner: Clearly state the name or identity and the Australian Business Number (ABN) of each co-owner involved in the sale.
Identity and ABN of Agent Co-owner: Alternatively, if one co-owner acts as an ‘agent co-owner’ on behalf of the others, the tax invoice should display the name or identity and ABN of the agent co-owner.

Tax Invoices Received by Co-owners
When co-owners receive a tax invoice for a sale of $1,000 or more, the tax invoice must clearly show either:

• Identity of Each Co-owner: Clearly indicate the name or identity of each co-owner who is a recipient of the tax invoice.
• ABN of Each Co-owner: Alternatively, display the Australian Business Number (ABN) of each co-owner receiving the tax invoice.

By providing accurate and distinct identification of multiple recipients or co-owners on the tax invoice, businesses ensure compliance with tax regulations and maintain transparent invoicing records.